Cristiano Ronaldo deserves the Ballon d'Or award over Lionel Messi says Brazil legend Ronaldo Nazario

The race for the Ballon d’Or is heating up and legendary Brazilian striker Ronaldo Nazario has backed Cristiano Ronaldo to win the prestigious individual accolade ahead of Lionel Messi.

The Portuguese superstar is the favourite to win the award this season having won the Champions League with Real Madrid and Euro 2016 with his national side. The Real Madrid forward scored an incredible 51 goals last season and the Ronaldo feels that Cristiano Ronaldo is by far the standout candidate in the 30 man shortlist for the Ballon d’Or.

"This year, if I have to choose, I'd pick Cristiano Ronaldo over Lionel Messi for the Ballon d'Or because of what he's won," Ronaldo told Claro Sports.

The Brazilian was speaking after news came out that his namesake had renewed his contract at Real Madrid until 2021. Speaking about the decision, Ronaldo Nazario said:

"It'd be best if Cristiano Ronaldo retired at Real Madrid and then worked at the club,” he added

The contract till 2021 will see the former Manchester United star play till 36, and it will be interesting to see what Ronaldo’s decision will be after the contract ends in 2021.

Ronaldo feels he has 10 years of football left in him

Speaking in a press conference after he signed the deal, Ronaldo said:

"What I most want is to continue enjoying the years I have left to play. I still have 10 years.”

However, Ronaldo didn’t rule out the possibility of a potential exit from Real Madrid in the future. The Portuguese also insisted that the new contract is not the last that he is signing in his career.

“No one knows what the future holds. I'm going to be here for another five years, but let it be known this will not be my last contract. Of course, I would like to end my career at this club, this is my penultimate contract, I want to be here for many years to come. I want to continue re-writing history at this club."

Ronaldo continued, “For sure I will do the same as before, give everything to win trophies, and score goals. So thanks to everyone, my family, the people who work with me every day, and Real Madrid. Many thanks.”

During his stay with Real, the 31-year-old has scored a staggering 372 goals in 360 matches for the reigning European champions. However, Ronaldo is currently experiencing a slight slump in his form as he has not scored in his last five games at the Bernabeu.

More football news, features and analysis at Sportskeeda.com